December 20, 2010

This year, in one room of my house, I constructed a ribbon wall to use as a backdrop for Candy Cane Christmas.

The frame was built out of 1/2 inch pvc. After measuring the area I wanted to cover, I ended up with 4 10 ft pvc pieces. I cut them to roughly 6 ft. And made a square by using the coordinating T joints.

From there, just hot glue strips of ribbon onto the top pole.

I'll warn you, you're going to go through quite a bit of ribbon, especially for a 6 ft wall like this was. I stockpiled ribbon for some time to use for this project - finding ribbon on sale and even scoring big rolls of red velvet ribbon at Goodwill. Tip: if you're making one last minute for Christmas or you want to make one for next year, Michaels has their hoilday ribbon 60% off right now! Plus a 20% off coupon here.

The ribbon lays flat. Unfortunately, in taking these photos, the heat was blowing and the ribbon is moving.

Make sure to trim the bottom of the ribbon to the length you need. You want the ribbon to lay flat and straight and not buckle at the bottom.

This ribbon wall concept would work great for other occasions as well, backdrops for birthday parties, showers and weddings. They would be beautiful outside with the ribbons blowing in the breeze! This red and white one would even be great for Valentine's Day!

Ribbon walls create a great dimension and texture to a focal point! Try one!

November 16, 2010

Thanks to Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs.

I thought I'd show you a super easy way to create a quick table skirt. All you need is a light piece of fabric and this...

Let's get started!

I have this buffet and I use it as a focal point of holiday decor in one room. There is a Christmas tree next to it and I usually work with one theme. This year's theme is candy canes. So, I want to create a consistent color palette which means covering up the cherry wood.

I use double sided tape to temporarily wrap the table in fabric for a fitted table skirt. Now, before you get anxious, yes, I do place the tape on the wood but don't worry... it comes off easily. That being said, I don't guarantee that the tape will hold for a long time so this tutorial is meant for a quick, one evening table skirt.

The first thing you want to do is measure your fabric. You do not want excess fabric. The heavier the fabric, the more it pulls on the tape which means tension on the fabric.

For the bottom of the fabric, the part that goes to the floor, if you don't sew, cut the fabric a bit longer than needed and tuck under. Always better to cut longer than shorter.

Also, before you start on the table, make sure your fabric is ironed. You'll see why I say that later. LOL

Then we're ready to attach!

I start on the side and press the fabric into the tape smoothly and evenly.

When you get to a corner, you fold the fabric like you're wrapping the corner of a present.

Here's the other corner...

Here's what it looks like in the end. See that lovely crease in the fabric? Definitely iron your fabric!I've talked about it before and I'll say it again, a wrinkled tablecloth can ruin any table decor. Your eye automatically goes straight to the crease. (Believe me, I'll fix this.) LOL

After the taping is done, Then you can cover the top with a runner or another piece of bunched up fabric for depth. I placed a candy cane striped fabric on top just to show you. Next.. start adding your decorative pieces!

October 10, 2010

The time of year is perfect for an outdoor dinner party! Julie of A Reason to Get Together took advantage of the perfect weather and her love of Julia Child to put together a French dinner party in her back yard.

Julie had each of her guests bring a dish out of a particular cookbook as well as the wine that complimented the dish. For invitations, she used Evite which kept track of what everyone was bringing and avoided duplications.

This party was extremely budget friendly and Julie shopped her decor from previous parties as well as her local thrift stores and yard sales. For example, the ties on the backs of the chairs were strips of sheets she found at yard sales.

She created 60 YARDS of bunting herself that draped from the fence and trees. The same patterns of fabric were used as napkin rings.

I love the fabric flowers!

Drop in to Julie's blog to see more photos of this fresh vintage design!

September 28, 2010

Ok. I'll admit. I love invitations. Well, who am I kidding, anything paper really. And while I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking at, choosing and putting together the perfect paper invitation, I realize there are plenty that love to use electronic invitations. And for quick, beautiful electronic invitations, I fell in love with the products of Paperless Post.

What is it? It's an electronic card store! They feature everything from wedding save the dates to party invitations to birth announcements to formal invitations and even thank you cards.

What makes them different? Here are the top two and MOST important reasons:

1. Their designs. Hands down gorgeous. They have something for everyone! And each piece can be customized from the texture of the "paper" to the color of the "ink".

2. Their presentation and delivery. When you receive a Paperless Post card, it comes to you in a virtual envelope with your name on the outside. You click the envelope to open and the invitation unfolds beautifully. It's my favorite feature! The drama of the opening!

With Paperless Post... you're not sacrificing style! The designs are sharp and modern and the color schemes are gorgeous.

Just in time for your fall gatherings, Paperless Post is offering readers of Everyday Celebrating the gift of 35 free "stamps". Use them for your next gathering - whatever that may be.. Halloween, baby shower, dinner party, bunco or try them out for thank you notes.

September 14, 2010

Let's face it, children LOVE balloons! And a balloon drop is easy to do and creates a large impact with children.

The drop above was part of a first birthday party over at Dukes and Duchesses. The how to is easy!

Simply tape up yards of tulle to a wall. This can be from a ledge or a door jam or from a ceiling fan or light fixture. (Use putty or command hooks or some types of painters tape to ensure no damage is done to the walls. Use ornament hooks to hang the tulle from light fixtures.)

Fill it with balloons you've blown up yourself. Remember that no helium is used in a balloon drop. Balloons can be blown up a couple days ahead of time.

Release one or both sides and let the balloons rain down on the little ones! Smiles all around!

Visit Dukes and Duchesses to see the rest of this cute party include these pinwheel centerpieces!